Parts advisors are also known as vehicle parts operatives. They are responsible for ordering, selling and managing stock control on a wide range of vehicle parts and accessories.
Duties may vary from employer to employer but will typically include:
Customers may include members of the public, service departments of dealerships, and garages.
As a parts advisor you will need to demonstrate:
Although there are no formal qualifications required for entry to this role, there are a range of qualifications in vehicle parts operations covering the underpinning knowledge useful in getting started, and the hands-on skills required to carry out the job.
Once working in parts you can complete your Automotive Technician Accreditation, this shows current competence and is valid for three years. To find out more please see ATA Parts.
Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Parts Principles
Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Parts Competence
Please note: These figures are meant as a guide only and may vary from employer to employer and may be dependent on the geographical area.
Full time hours are typically around 40 hours a week; this may include some weekend and evening work, which may be on a rota system with other team members. You may be able to find part time work in this area. Working environments will differ, depending on where you work, but you may be based at a garage, shop or dealership.
Salary:
There may be opportunities for shift and overtime pay depending on your employer. You may also be eligible for holiday entitlement, company pension and private healthcare schemes.
There are several ways of starting your career as a trainee in vehicle parts operations:
Apprentice/traineeship schemes may vary from employer to employer but they will typically work towards an N/SVQ and will be on-the-job training. To do this you may require GCSEs/Standard Grades in English, Maths, Science and IT or appropriate equivalents. For further information on apprentice/traineeships in England please visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk, for Wales please visit www.careerswales.com for Northern Ireland please visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/careers and for Scotland please visit www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk
Vehicle Parts (Intermediate- Parts Sales Representative/Parts Telesales Representative) This Apprenticeship covers the sale of motor parts for all kinds of vehicles. Vehicle parts operatives (or parts advisers) order, sell and manage stock control on a wide range of parts and accessories for all kinds of vehicles – from cars and motorcycles, to lorries, buses and coaches.